Signalling an end to infrastructure investment focus of the South East, today the government is to announce that it is to go ahead with the construction of HW2 (Hadrian’s Wall 2).
Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg stated that this would provide a massive boost to jobs in the region and would help turn round their flagging economy whilst addressing a host of other regional issues. “This is another example of the Lib Dems having major influences on government policy. Although our election manifesto pledged we would vote against any such walls, we have to accept we are in a coalition and that means making difficult decisions”.
David Cameron is thought to have been a major driving force behind the project. A senior Downing Street aide commented that Mr. Cameron has always made his feelings about Scotland clear and he considers this project of major importance to the UK. Most commentators had long expected this decision after the PM’s earlier comments “It’s like sitting opposite a country with Tourette’s” (though he did later apologize stating “If I’ve offended people, I’m very sorry. I suppose I just find them annoying. I really must learn to just tune out their continual bickering”).
Some have questioned the behind the scenes lobbying from the CFI (Conservative Friends of Israel) who for many years have been pushing for more investment in the UK wall building program. Although they had been pushing for the development to be somewhat further south, the plans were quickly changed when some were reminded of the location of their constituencies and that the “southern route” might impact their re-election prospects. One MP was visibly shocked when he discovered where his constituency was.
Whilst earlier plans had included a Phase 2 annexing other lower income regions of the country, there are no plans to extend the project in the near future. The government considers the M25 more than adequate in this regard.
